Legislature failed to do its job this session

This January, New Mexicans sent their elected representatives to Santa Fe to do three simple things: balance the state’s budget, work on policies that will create more quality jobs and improve opportunities for our children.

Instead of tackling these challenges, the Democratic-led Legislature chose to waste time on frivolous legislation that would not meaningfully impact the lives of most New Mexicans. Now, I like a good green chile cheeseburger as much as anyone, but with unemployment still stubbornly high and our children exiting the state in search of better jobs, naming a state hamburger was not high on my list of legislative priorities.

Worst of all, the Legislature failed to execute its most fundamental responsibility to pass a balanced budget. The so-called budget package offered by the Democratic leadership was really a guise to push through irresponsible tax hikes on hard-working New Mexicans.

Increasing taxes only places more stress on an economy still struggling to emerge from recession. It’s a reckless proposition, yet it’s the only answer that Democrats offered for the entire session.

Thanks to the stubborn brinksmanship of Democrat leaders, New Mexico faces the real possibility of a government shutdown. A state government shutdown will have real consequences for all New Mexicans. State parks and museums could close. Employees could be furloughed. Emergency services would be put at risk. Worse still, schools could be affected and our children would suffer.

In a few weeks, legislators will likely return to the Roundhouse to complete the business that we should have finished during the 60-day session. We must be willing to examine every option available to fund government operations without harming New Mexicans with reckless tax hikes.

It’s not unreasonable for New Mexicans to expect results from their elected officials. Legislators need to get serious about solving the state’s problems. This year, too much time was wasted on trivial matters, and not enough time was spent on the issues that matter most to New Mexicans. Our broken tax system needs to be addressed, and we are constitutionally mandated to reach a balanced budget and fully fund our schools and courts.

We cannot tax our way to economic prosperity. It’s a ridiculous proposition, and it will further hinder our efforts to compete with other states in the Southwest region. I urge my colleagues to return to Santa Fe committed to meet our fiscal obligations and encourage economic opportunity. Let’s stop talking about cheeseburgers and instead start creating a new vision for the future of New Mexico.

Rod Montoya, R-Farmington, represents San Juan County in the New Mexico Legislature, where he is minority whip.